Timing devices for coin switches



July 4, 1961 F. J. MELVIN 2,990,930

TIMING DEVICES FOR COIN SWITCHES Filed Nov. 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I.

FIG. 2.

INVENTOR FRED J. MELVIN ATTORNEY July 4, 1961 J MELVIN 2,990,930

TIMING DEVICES FOR COIN SWITCHES Filed Nov. 5, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 I @2 l I I 158- 140- A //0 m8 112 I 4 Q U I l o g I @7 I? 139 I 0 1 I fi\ 1 WE] 1 iNVENTOR m FRED J. MELVIN ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,990,960 TIMING DEVICES FOR COIN SWITCHES Fred J. Melvrn, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Mo., asignor, by mesrre assignments, to National 'Rejectors, Inc., a corporation of Missouri Filed Nov. 5, 1956, Ser. No. 620,297 16 Claims. (Cl. 194-9) This invention relates to improvements in timing devices for coin switches. More particularly, this invention relates to improvements in timing devices for coin switches used with coin separators.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved timing device for coin switches used with coin separators.

Coin separators are frequently equipped with coin-actuated electric switches that energize electromotive devices such as motors, solenoids and electromagnets; and those electromotive devices vend the desired products or services. Where the electromotive devices are solenoids or electromagnets, those electromotive devices can usually respond to electrical pulses of short duration to become energized and start the vending operation. Where the product or service can be vended quickly, the pulses of short duration can usually hold the solenoids or electromagnets energized for long enough periods to assure full vending of the desired products or services. However, where a slight delay occurs in the vending of the desired product or service, the electrical pulses of short duration can not be sure of holding the solenoids or electromagnets energized throughout the latter portions of the vending operations. Furthermore, pulses of short duration can not be depended upon to start, much less run, the electromotive devices of vending machines, where those electromotive devices are electric motors. Accordingly, where slight delays in the vending of the product or service are contemplated, or where an electric motor is to be used as the electromotive device, it is customary to provide a relay that can be energized by the coin-actuated switch and that can hold itself and electromotive device energized for the desired period of time. The use of a relay offers certain advantages but the use of a relay also entails certain disadvantages; thus the use of a relay means increased cost and increased space, and it can lead to uncertain and imperfect operation because of dirty or sticking contacts.

Where sixty cycle alternating current is used in a circuit containing a coin-actuated switch and an electromotive device energized thereby, it has been found that a good quality coin-actuated switch will respond to the passage of a coin to remain closed for a period approximately equal to four cycles of the current. This means that a pulse, having a duration of approximately one fifteenth of a second, is available to energize the electromotive device. Such a pulse can not hold an electromotive device energized to the full end of the vending operation where even slight delays are contemplated; and it would therefore be desirable to have a simple, inexpensive timing device that can lengthen the pulse created by the coin-operated switch. The present invention provides such a timing device; and it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive timing device that can lengthen the pulse created by a coinactuated switch.

The timing device provided by the present invention is an escapement element that prevents too-rapid return of the switch actuator from switch-closing to switchopening position. That escapement element thereby physically retards the re-opening of the coin-actuated switch to increase the length of the pulses created by that switch. That escapement element is quite inexpensive, it requires very little space, and it does not introduce the problem of dirty and sticking contacts. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escapement element that can be used with a coin-actuated switch to increase the length of the pulses generated by that switch.

One form of escapement element provided by the present invention is a plate that is pivoted and that has a zigzag slot. That slot is defined by' a number of changes of surface at the opposite sides of the slot, and those changes of surface respond to movement of the switch actuator through the slot to oscillate the escapement element about the pivot. In oscillating, the escapement ele ment must move to one end of its path of oscillation, must stop, must reverse its direction of movement and move to the opposite end of its path of oscillation, must again stop, and must again reverse its direction of movement; and it must continue to oscillate until the switch actuator comes to rest. In successively moving in one direction, stopping, reversing its direction of movement, again stopping, and again reversing its direction of movement, the escapement element necessarily retards the rate at which the switch actuator can move through the slot of the escapement element, and hence the switch actuator takes a longer time to move through that slot. This longer time makes it possible for the coin-actuated switch to generate a pulse that will hold the electromotive device energized throughout the vending operation. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escapement element that is pivoted and that has a zigzag slot to accommodate the actuator of a switch.

In one form of the present invention the changes of surface, that are at the opposite sides of the slot and that define the zigzag configuration of that slot, are undulating in configuration and have rounded peaks and valleys. Such changes of surface can respond to the forces on the switch actuator to cause the escapement element to oscillate, irrespective of whether the switch actuator is moving toward or away from switch-closing position. Such an escapement element is simple and inexpensive; oscillating to permit a coin to move the switch actuator to switch-closing position, and subsequently oscillating to permit the spring within the switch to return the switch actuator to switch-opening position. Such an escapement element can increase the duration of the pulses generated by a coin-actuated switch from approximately four cycles to about twenty cycles. Such longer pulses can easily hold solenoids and electromagnets energized to the ends of the vending operations, even though delays are contemplated during those operations. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escapement element that has changes of surface that are of undulating configuration and that define a zigzag slot that can accommodate a switch actuator.

In some instances it is desirable to keep the coinactuated switch closed for periods having a duration in excess of one second, and in those instances the changes of surface that define the zigzag slot have sharp peaks and valleys. The switch actuator will be able to respond to the force of a coin to oscillate the escapement element and to move through the slot to switch-closing position, but it will be unable to respond to the force of the spring within the switch to oscillate the escapement lever and to move through the slot to switch-opening position. Instead, that switch actuator will be held by the peaks, defined by the changes of surface at the opposite sides of the slot, until a cam or other motionimparting element causes the escapement element to oscillate. During that oscillation, the switch actuator will move past the one peak and then be held by the next peak until the escapement element is again caused to oscillate. Depending upon the number of peaks defined by the changes of surface, and depending upon the time interval between oscillations of the escapement element,

the coin-actuated switch can be held in closed-switch position for any desired'l'ength of'time. The-use-of-this escapement element requires a source of motion to oscillate-the escapement element; but that source of motion is automatically available since that'escapement element isto be used in the starting and running of electric motors.

The changes of surface that define the zigzag slot of this second form of escapement timer will preferably be teeth with upper faces that serve as inclined planes and with lower faces that serve as stops. The switch actuator will be able to act against the upper faces of the teeth and cause the escapement element to oscillate, and the lower faces will be able to hold the switch actuator against returning movement until the escapement element'is oscillated to enable the switch actuator to move past those lower faces.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention should become apparent from an examination of the drawing and accompanying description.

In the drawing and accompanying description two preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described but it is to be understood that the drawing and accompanying description are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the invention and that the invention will be defined by the appended claims.

In the drawing,

FIG. 1 is a front elevational View of a channel bracket equipped with one form of timing device that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the channel bracket and timing device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a portion of the channel bracket and timing device of FIG. 1, and it shows the timing device with the switch actuator moving downwardly through the slot of the escapement element of the timing device,

FIG. 4 is another front elevational view of the said portion of the channel bracket and timing device of FIG. -1, and it shows the switch actuator adjacent the lower end of its path of travel,

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a coin-handling device which is equipped with another form of timing 'device that is made in accordance with the principles and teachings of the present invention,

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned front view of a por tion of the coin handling device of FIG. 5, and :it shows the switch actuator part way between the upper and lower ends of the slot in the escapement element,

FIG. 7 is a partially broken away front view of the portion shown in FIG. 6, and it shows the switch actuator .adjacent the lower end of its path of travel, and

FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a portion of the coin-handling device of FIG. 5.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the numeral 10 denotes a channel bracket of standard design and construction. That bracket is generally U-shaped in plan, as shown particularly in FIG. 2, and it has a rear wall and two forwardly extending side walls. Keyhole openings 12, one of which is shown in FIG. 1, are provided in the channel bracket 10 to telescope over mounting studs in the vending machine with which the channel bracket will be used. The channel bracket is dimensioned to accommodate a slug rejector 14 of standard form and construction. That slug rejector has ears'16 .that project outwardly from the sides thereof and that .are supported by notches in the side walls of the bracket 10. The slug rejector 14 has a generally downwardly directed rejected-coin chute 18, as shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2.

-A vertical wall is disposed below the level of the slug rejector 14, and that wall receives support from a brace 22 which extends forwardly from the rear wall of the channel bracket 10. A wall 24 which has a rearwardly and sidewardly directed offset at theleft-handend thereof, as shown particularly in FIG. 2, has the sidewardly directed ofifset thereof welded or otherwise secured to the wall 20. The other end of the wall 24 extends to the rearwardly bent flange at the right-hand end of a wall 26. That rearwardly bent'flange of wall 26 extends past the wall 24 and is suitably secured to the wall 20. The wall 26 is suitably secured to the channel bracket 10; and it coacts with the brace 22 to provide full and rigid support for the walls 20 and 24.

The walls 24 and 26 coact to define a coin passageway 28; and that coin passageway is disposed in register with and below the level of the accepted coin chute of the slug rejector 14. As a rseult, any coin that is tested and found authentic by the slug rejector 14 will be directed to the passageway 28.

An arcuate slot 30 is formed in the wall 26, and that slot communicates with the passageway 28. A switch 42 is disposed'to the left of the walls 24 and 26, and fasteners 44 secure that switch to the wall 20 in such a position that the shaft 46 of that switch is at the geometric center of the arc of the slot 30. A generally L-shaped switch actuator 48, shown as a stiff wire, is secured to the shaft 46 of the switch 42; and that actuator has its foot extending into and through the slot 30 and into and through a similar slot, not shown, in the wall 24. As indicated particularly in FIG. 2, the foot of the switch actuator 48 completely spans the coin passageway 28 and extends beyond both sides of the walls of that passageway. Insulatingpaper 50 is provided to enclose the projecting contacts of, and the leads for, the switch 42.

A pivot 32 is mounted on, and projects forwardly from, the wall 26; and that pivot is disposed to the left of the upper end of the arcuate slot 30. A generally L- shaped plate 34 has a hub 36 which telescopes over the pivot 32. That plate has an elongated generally arcuate slot 38 in the leg thereof; and that slot has a wide upper end, a wide lower end, and a narrow middle portion. The middle portion of the slot 38 is of zigzag configura tion; and the changes of surface that provide the zigzag configuration for the slot 38 have an undulating configuration. Hence, those changes of surface do not have abrupt or sharp faces or junctions that could block movement of the switch actuator 48 through the slot 38. A C-washer 40 engages an annular groove in the outer end of the pivot 32 and prevents accidental separation of the plate 34 from the pivot 32.

The leg and foot of the L-shaped plate 34 are formed and dimensioned so the plate 34 depends downwardly from the pivot 32 and normally has the slot 38 in register with the arcuate slot 30 in the wall 26. The plate 34 must be 'telescoped over the pivot 32 before the switch 42 is secured to the wall 20 or before the switch actuator 48 is secured to the shaft 46. In either event the transverse foot of the switch actuator 48 is telescoped through the slot 38 of the escapement plate 34 and then through the arcuate slot 30 of wall 26.

The switch 42 has an internal spring, not shown, which biases the switch actuator 48 upwardly to the position shown in FIG. 1. However, that spring will yield whenever a coin enters the passageway 28 and acts upon the switch actuator 48. That coin will drive the switch actuator downwardly through the slots 30 and 38 until that switch actuator moves out of the path of that coin and permits that coin to fall downwardly from the lower end of the passageway 28. That coin will then go to a suitable cash box, not shown, in the vending machine.

The foot of the switch actuator 48 can move freely in the arcuate slot 30 because that slot is wide enough to enable that foot to move downwardly and then up again without ever touching the sides of that slot. The foot of the switch actuator 48 can also move freely in the upper and lower portions of theslot 38, becausethose-portions are several times as wide as the thickness of the foot of the switch actuator. While the foot of the actuator 48 can easily and readily move between the changes of surface which define the middle portion of the slot 38, that foot will repeatedly engage those changes of surface. In engaging those changes of surface of plate 34, the foot of the switch actuator 48 causes the plate 34 to oscillate; but the amplitude of the oscillation is quite small, being a matter of just a few degrees. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the total amplitude of oscillation of the escapement plate 34, due to the engagement of the switch actuator 48 with the undulating portions of the plate 34 that define the zigzag middle portions, is less than fifteen degrees.

As the plate 34 oscillates, it must start to move in one direction, come to a complete stop and then start to move in the opposite direction. As the plate 34 reaches the end of its limit of travel in that opposite direction, it must again come to a complete stop, and then must again start moving in the first direction. The recurrent starting and stopping of the plate 34 takes time, because of the inertia and then the momentum of the plate 34; and hence the switch actuator 48 is slowed down in its movement downwardly and then upwardly through the slot 38. The movable and fixed contacts of the switch 42 are set so the movable contact of that switch shifts from its initial position as soon as the switch actuator 48 reaches the lower end of the upper portion of the slot 38. That movable contact will remain in shifted position throughout all of the time that the foot of the switch actuator 48 is being moved downwardly through the middle portion of the slot 38 and until that foot moves back upwardly to the lower end of the upper portion of the slot 38.

An initial increase in the length of the pulse created by the switch 42 will be provided by the recurrent oscillations of the plate 34 during the downward movement of the switch actuator 48 through the slot 38. The final increase in the length of the pulse created by the switch 42 will be provided by the recurrent oscillations of the plate 34 during the upward movement of the switch actuator 48 to its initial position. The overall increase in the length of that pulse enables the switch 42 to hold solenoids and electromagnets energized to the ends of their vending operations even though delays are contemplated during those operations.

Where a coin-actuated switch of high quality is used in a sixty cycle alternating current circuit, that switch will respond to a coin to close its contacts and hold them closed for a period of about four cycles or about one fifteenth of a second. Such a period can be too short for a solenoid or electromagnet that must provide a delayed vending action. In one modification of the present invention, the escapement timer plate 34 increased the closedcontact period of the switch 42 from four cycles to about twenty cycles. This means an increase in the duration of the closed-contact period from one fifteenth of a second to one third of a second. This latter period is amply long enough to hold a solenoid or electromagnet energized to the end of its vending operation even if that operation is a delayed operation.

Further increases in closed-contact time of the switch 42 could be attained by thickening the plate 34 to increase its inertia and its momentum. In addition, further increases in closed-contact time of the switch 42 could be attained by decreasing the size of the obtuse angles subtended by the changes of surface which define the middle portion of slot 38. However, such thickening of the plate 34 and such changing of the angles subtended by the changes of surface are not unlimited, because excessive increases in that thickness and excessive decreases in those angles could increase the resistance offered to the switch actuator 48 to the point where a coin could not move that actuator downwardly through the slot 38.

The potential and kinetic energy of the coins entering the passageway 28 supply the force needed to overcome the spring within the switch 42 and to overcome the inertia and momentum of the escapement plate 34. Once the coin has moved the switch actuator 48 downwardly and has moved below, and out of engagement with the foot of that actuator, the spring within the switch 42 can move the switch actuator 48 back up to its initial position. In doing so, that spring will provide the force that oscillates the plate 34 and returns the switch actuator 48 to the position shown in FIG. 1.

The unobstructed upper portion of the slot 38 is desirable because it enables the coins to get the switch actuator 48 moving downwardly before that switch actuator enters the zigzag portion of that slot and experiences motion-retarding forces. In this way, full downward movement of the switch actuator to coin-releasing position is assured.

In FIGS. 5-8, another form of timing device provided by the present invention is shown; and that form of timing device is shown as it appears when associated with the coin-operated device that is disclosed and described in the co-pending application, Serial No. 620,282, of Robert B. Young and Fred J. Melvin for Coin Separators that is being filed of even date. That coin-handling device has a large number of parts which are not per se a part of the present invention, and those parts will be referred to only generally herein.

The numeral 52 denotm a frame that is vertically directed and that is U-shaped in plan. A mounting block 54 that is generally L-shaped in plan is mounted adjacent the right-hand flange of the frame 52. That mounting block has a pair of studs 58 mounted on, and extending forwardly from, the left-hand portion thereof; and one of those studs is shown in FIG. 8. The forward ends of those studs are drilled and tapped. Four generally rectangular plates 60, 62, 66 and 72 are disposed adjacent each other and adjacent the rear wall of the mounting block 54. Fasteners 71, shown as screws, extend through alined openings in the plates 60, 62, 66 and 72 and seat in threaded openings in the mounting block 54.

The mounting block 54 and the plate 60 coact to define a coin passageway for large denomination coins, such as quarters; and the entrance to that passageway is denoted by the numeral 56. The plate 60 and the plate 62 coact to define a coin passageway for lesser denomination coins, such as dimes; and the entrance to that passageway is denoted by the numeral 64. The plate 66 coacts with the plate 62 to define a coin passageway for coins of still smaller denomination, as for example nickels; and the entrance to that passageway is denoted by the numeral 68. The plate 66 also coacts with the face plate 72 to define a coin passageway for coins of least denomination, such as pennies; and the entrance to that passageway is denoted by the numeral 70. The mounting block 5 4 and the plates 60, 62, 66 and 72 constitute a coin block that underlies a slug rejector, not shown, that can receive, separate and test four coins of different denominations, as for example, a quarter, a dime, a nickel and a penny. That slug rejector has four accepted coin outlets, and those outlets are immediately above, and in register with, the coin entrances 56, 64, 68 and 70. Hence, coins insorted in the slug rejector will be directed to the appropriate coin passageway in the coin block.

The front plate 72 has a forwardly-extending pivot 84 adjacent the left-hand edge thereof, it has a forwardlyextending pivot 82 adjacent the upper edge thereof, it has an arcuate, generally vertical slot 76 to the left of, and extending downwardly from the level of the pivot 82, it has an arcuate, generally vertical slot 78 to the right of, and extending downwardly from the level of, the pivot 82, it has a pin 99 projecting forwardly therefrom, and it has a strap 89 spanning a large diameter opening 86 therein. In addition, the front plate 72 has a coin inlet 74 for nickels and a second coin inlet for pennies. Arcuate slots that are similar to and in register uu'th the arcuate slots 76 and 78 in the front plate 72 are provided intheplates=66, 62 and 60 and also in'the mounting block 54. The arcuate slots 76 and the arcuate slots 78 are incommunication with the coin passageways'whose entrances are denoted by the numerals 56, 64, 68 and 70. Large diameter openings, that are similar to and in registerwith 'the large diameter opening 86 of front plate 72, ar'e provided in the plates 66, 62 and 60 and in the mounting block 54. Those openings also communicate with those coin passageways.

The pivot 84 receives the hub 92 of a generally J- shaped-lever 88, and a C-was her 87 engages an annular groove adjacent the-outer end of that pivot to prevent accidental separation of that pivot and that lever. A pin 90 is secured to the'long arm of the lever 88, as by riveting or s'taking; and a pin94'is secured to the free end of that arm, as by riveting or staking. The pin 90' is disposed approximately half way between the hub 92 and the free end of the'long arm of lever 88. Both of the pins 90 and 94 project rearwardly from the lever 88, but the pin 90 is short while the pin 94 is quite long. The pin 94 extends into and through all of the coin passageways in the coin block, and that pin blocks all of those coin passageways when that pin is in the position shown by FIGS. 5, 6 and 8. The pin 94 is, however, clear of those passageways when it is in the position shown by FIG. 7. A helical extension spring 96 has the upper end thereof hooked in an opening at the free end of the shorter arm of the J-shaped lever 88, and it has the other end hooked in an opening, not shown, in one side of the coin inlet 80. That spring biases the lever 88 for clockwise rotation about the pivot 84, and thereby biases the lever 88 to the position shown by FIGS. 5, 6 and 8.

The numeral 98 denotes a generally L-shaped plate which has a hub 100 that telescopes over the pivot 82. A C- washer 104 engages an annular groove in the front end of the pin 82 to prevent accidental separation of the hub 100 from the pivot 82. The plate 98 has a generally arcuate slot 102 therein, and teeth define the zigzag middle section of that slot. The teeth are formed so the points of the teeth at the opposite sides of the slot 102 are so close together that a smooth and uninterrupted path can not be followed by a wire passing through that slot. The upper faces of the teeth incline downwardly to serve as inclined planes while the lower faces of the teeth are generally horizontal to serve as stops. The center of gravity of the plate 98 is disposed to the left of the pivot 82,and hence that plate tends to rotate in the counter clockwise direction. However, as indicated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the counter clockwise rotation of the plate 98 is limited by the pin 99. While the plate 98 is gravitybiased for counter clockwise rotation toward the pin 99, that plate can easily be rota-ted in the clockwise direction.

The numeral 106 denotes a switch of standard design and construction; and that switch is secured to the studs 58*by fasteners 108, shown in the form of screws. The threaded shanks of those screws telescope through openings in the switch housing and seat in the drilled and tapped'holes in the forward ends of the studs 58. The switch 106 has a rotatable shaft 110, and that shaft is disposed at the geometric center of the arc of the slot 78. A generally L-shaped actuator 112, shown as a stiff wire, hasits leg secured to the rotatable shaft 110 of the switch 106 andhas its foot extending rearwardly through the slot 102 of the plate 98 and through the slots 78 of the plates 72, 66, 62 and 60 and through the slot 78 of the mounting block 54. That foot has a portion thereof disposed'in each of the coin passageways whose entrances are denoted by the numerals 56, 64, 68 and 70'; and that foot will be moved downwardly by any of the coins entering those passageways. As long as the foot of the switch a'ctuator 112 is within'the upper portion of slot 102, the movable contact of that switch can remain in its normalposition. However, when thatfoot moves down- 8 wardly into-the zigzag middle portion of that slot, the movable contact of that'switch will shift its position.

The numeral 114 denotes a generally cylindrical coin wheel which is mounted on the output shaft 118 of a gear motor 120. That coin wheel has four axially and cir cumferentially spaced coin-receiving pockets; and those pockets are in register with and communicate with the four coin passageways in the coin block. That coin wheel is suitably fixed to the shaft 118 so it can rotate with that shaft. The gear motor 120 is suitably secured to the coin block 54, and its output shaft 118 projects forwardly through the large opening 86 in the coin block; the forward end of that shaft being held by a sleeve on the strap "89. A cam 116 is provided at the front face of the coin wheel 114, and that cam is in register with and can engage the pin 90 on the J-shaped lever 88.

Coins introduced into the coin-operated device of FIGS. 5-8 will be tested by the slug rejector and, if authentic, will be delivered to the entrances 56, 64, 68 and 70 of the coin block. In moving downwardly through the coin passageways to which those entrances lead, those coins will engage the switch actuator 112 and force it to move downwardly through the slots 78 of the coin block and to move downwardly through the slot 102 of the plate 98. As that switch actuator moves downwardly, it will alternately engage the inclined upper faces of the teeth at the opposite sides of the slot 102, and it will thereby force the plate 98 to oscillate. As indicated by FIG. 6, the foot of the switch actuator 1 12 moves into register with a tooth at the left side of the slot 102 when it moves out of register with an adjacent tooth at the right side of that slot. Conversely, that foot moves into register with a tooth at the right side of the slot 102 when it moves out of register with an adjacent tooth at the left side of that slot. 'As a result, one oscillation of the plate 98 will permit the switch actuator 112 to pass two teeth, one tooth at each side of the slot 102.

The coins in the passageways of the coin block will continue to move the switch actuator 112 downwardly until those coins engage and are held by the pin 940m the J- shaped lever 88. In moving the switch actuator downwardly those coins caused the movable contact of switch 106'to shift its position; and thereupon that switch energized the motor 120. The resulting rotation of the motor armature causes the output shaft 118 to rotate at a reduced speed in counter clockwise direction. During a revolution of the output shaft 118, the cam 116 on the coin wheel 114 will engage the pin 90 and force that pin to rotate the lever 88 to the position shown by FIG. 7; and thereupon the coin will be freed from the second uppermost dotted-line position shown in FIG. 6 and will move to the intermediate dotted-line position shown in FIG. 7. In moving to that intermediate dotted-line position, that coin will force the switch actuator 112 downwardly to a position approximating that shown in FIG. 7. The coin will then rest on the periphery of the coin wheel until a coin pocket in the coin wheel 114 moves into position beneath that coin; but even prior to thetirne that coin enters that coin pocket it will have freed the switch actuator 112 for movement toward its upper position.

When a coin passes below and out of engagement with the foot of the switch actuator 112, that foot will start to move upwardly under the action of the returning spring within the switch 106. However, that foot will not be able to move very far before it engages and is held by the lower face of a tooth at the left or right side of the slot 102. Normally, the foot of the switch actuator 112 will engage and be held by the under side of a tooth at the left side of the slot 102, but if the coin frees that foot at a time when the lever 88 has disposed the plate 98 in, or close to, the position shown in HS. 7, that foot will be held by the under side of a tooth at the right side of the slot 102. In the latter case, the plate 98 will ro tateto the positionshown by FIGS.-5, 6 and-8 when the pin 94 on lever 88 rotates out of engagement with the foot of plate 98; and thereupon the foot of actuator 112 will be caught and held by a tooth at the left side of the slot 102.

During a succeeding revolution of the output shaft 118, the cam 116 will engage the pin 90 and rotate the lever 88 until the pin 94 at the free end of the longer arm of that lever 88 engages the foot of the L-shaped lever 98 and rotates that lever in the clockwise direction. That rotation moves the teeth at the left side of the slot 102 out of the path of the foot of the switch actuator 112, and thereupon that actuator will move upwardly until it strikes the next higher tooth at the right side of the slot 102. As the cam 116 passes out of engagement with the pin 90 on the lever 88, the spring '96 pulls that lever downward; and thereupon the plate 98 will respond to its bias to rotate in the counter clockwise direction and move the teeth at the right side of the slot 102 out of the path of the actuator 112 while placing the next higher tooth at the left side of slot 102 in holding position above the switch actuator 112. Thus an oscillation of the plate 98 will perm-it the switch actuator 112 to move upwardly the full distance between two teeth at the left side of the slot 104. Succeeding engagements of the cam 116 with the pin 90 on lever 88 will permit the switch actuator 112 to move upwardly to the upper end of the slot 102, thereby permitting the movable contact of switch 106 to shift back to its initial position. Depending upon the rate of rotation of the shaft 118 and upon the number of teeth at the opposite sides of the middle section of the slot 102, a very considerable time delay can be attained. In one modification of the present invention, the switch 106 has been enabled to keep the motor energized for more than two seconds; and much longer energizations of that motor by that switch are possible.

After a coin has entered one of the coin pockets of the coin wheel 114, that coin is rotated into engagement with a roller on an actuating lever; and if that coin is a quarter, it will engage the lever 115. The engagement of the quarter with that actuating lever will rotate that lever in the clockwise direction; and that rotation will cause the pawl 117 at the upper end of that lever to engage a tooth on the bottom of the rack 119. Two additional racks 150 and 152 are provided, and each of those racks has its own actuating lever. When a coin engages either of those other levers, it will cause that lever to advance its rack the distance of one tooth. A pawl 142 which normally has its right-hand ear biased into engagement with a notch at the upper edge of the rack 119 will rotate a short distance in the counter clockwise direction to permit that rack to advance, but that pawl will then rotate in the clockwise direction to engage that rack and hold it in its advanced position. Similar pawls are provided for the racks 150 and 152. Continued rotation of the coin wheel 114 will rotate the coin until it can fall from that coin wheel; and the quarter will fall to the accepted coin chute 122. Dimes also fall to the accepted coin chute 122, but pennies pass to the coin tube 123 below the inlet 80 and nickels pass to the coin tube 125.

Additional coins can be introduced into the coin-operated device, and those coins will move the switch actuator 112 downwardly to energize the motor 120, all as described above. Those coins will eventually advance the quarter r-ack 119 until the pin 127 at the left-hand end thereof engages the C-shaped lever 124 and rotates that lever to actuate the vend switch 128 and also to free the slide 126. The upward movement of the slide 126 will free two feelers, not shown, that will move upwardly until they engage stops on the racks 150 and 152. If those racks are in their homing positions, the feelers will not be free to move far enough upwardly to release the ratchet segments that normally hold the cam followers of the coin-operated device against coin-discharging movement. Under such circumstances, the principal effect of the upward movement of the slide 126 will be to free a latch 137 that releases the reset slide for a cycle of operation. During that cycle of operation, the plunger moves downwardly to engage a price-setting mechanism 132 that is rotatably supported on a pivot 134. The downward movement of the re-set slide also moves an abutment 136 against the inclined camming surface of latches 138 and 140, forcing them to pawl-freeing position; and further downward movement of the re-set slide causes that abutment to engage the pawls 142 and move them to rack-freeing position. At this time the plunger 130 has moved the price-setting mechanism 132 to the full extent of its counter clockwise rotation. Subsequent upward movement of the reset slide will cause the abutment 136 to free the pawls 142 while still holding the latches i138 and 140 out of pawl-holding position, and thereupon the pawls 142 will re-engage the racks and hold them against further movement toward their homing positions. Further upward movement of the reset slide 129 will move the abutment 136 out of engagement with the camming surfaces of the latches 138 and 140 and will move the plunger 130 out of engagement with the price-setting mechanism 132. The abutment 142 on the re-set slide will restore the price-setting mechanism 132 to the position shown in FIG. 5.

If the penny and nickel-dime racks were not in their homing positions at the time the feelers were released by the upward movement of the slide 126, the connecting rods 133 and 135 which are secured to the ratchet segments that normally hold the cam followers against coindischarging movement will be pulled upwardly; and thereupon the multi-lob cams 139 and 141 on the shaft 144 will cause reciprocation of those cam followers. That reciprocation will cause coins to be payed out and will also cause the escapement levers, not shown, to oscillate and permit the ratchet segments to return to their normal position and hold the cam followers against further coindischarging movement. The structure and operation of most of the parts of the coin-handling device shown in FIG. 5 are not per se a part of the present invention and are not described in detail herein.

The switch actuator 112 can respond to the potential and kinetic energy of coins in the passageways of the coin block to oscillate the plate 98. However, while that switch actuator will respond to the spring within the switch 106 to move upwardly, it can only move upwardly during oscillations of the plate 98. The number of teeth at the sides of slot 102, and the speed of rotation of the output shaft 118, will be selected to keep the foot of switch actuator 112 under one or another of the teeth of slot 102 until the cyling cam, not shown, has been driven through the requisite number of revolutions by the motor 120. The unobstructed upper portion of the slot 102 is desirable because it enables the coins to get the switch actuator 112 moving downwardly before that switch actuator enters the zigzag portion of that slot and experiences speed-retarding forces. In this way, full downward movement of the switch actuator to coin-releasing position is assured.

Whereas the drawing and accompanying description have shown and described two preferred embodiments of the present invention it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the form of the invention without affecting the scope thereof.

What I claim is:

1. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, a generally flat plate that is rotatably mounted on and that depends downwardly from said pivot, a generally arcuate slot in said plate, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said actuator being in the form of a stiff wire, said slot having a lower having changes of surface intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof that, define a zigzag portion for said slot and that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuatorwhich is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface being undulating in configuration to make said zigzag portion of said slot undulating in configuration, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being biased for movement toward said upper end of said slot and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway being biased toward the upper end of said passageway, said portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardly-moving, gravity-propelled coin to move the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot downwardly through said slot until said coin falls below and out of engagement with the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot thereafter returning to said upper end of said slot, said switch actuator responding to the downward movement thereof to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot co-acting with said changes of surface to oscillate said plate as the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot passes between said changes of surface, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

2. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, a generally flat plate that is rotatably mounted on and that depends downwardly from said pivot, a generally arcuate slot in said plate, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot, said slot having a wide unobstructed upper portion, said slot having changes of surface intermediate'the ends thereof that define a zigzag portion for said slot and that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being biased for'movement toward one end of said slot and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway being biased toward the upper end of said passageway, said portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardlymoving, gravity-propelled coin to move the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot through said slot until said coin falls out of engagement with the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot thereafter returning to said one end of said slot, said switch actuator responding to the movement thereof away from said one end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and respondingto the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot co-acting with said'changes of surface to oscillate said plate as the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot passes between said changes of surface, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

3. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, a plate that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a generally arcuate slot in said plate, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that define a zigzag portion for said slot and that ohviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being biased for movementv toward one end of said slot and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway being biased toward the upper end of said passageway, said portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardly-moving, gravity-pro pelled coin to move the portion of switch actuator which is disposed in said slot through said slot until said coin, falls out of engagement with the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway, the switch actuator which is disposed in said slot thereafter return. ing to said one end of said slot, said switch actuator re-- sponding to the movement thereof away from said one end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and, responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contatcs of said switch to return to their normal positions, said plate oscillating as said switch actuator engages said changes of surface, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

4. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch; that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, a plate that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a generally arcuate slot in said plate, said slot generally. paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having a wide unobstructed upper portion, said slot, having changes of surface that are below the level of the said upper portion thereof and that define a narrow zigzag portion for said slot and thereby obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but responding to a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot, said actutions, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

5. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, an escapement element that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, agenerally arcuate slot in said element, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface interme-l diate the ends thereof that define a narrow zigzag portion for said slot, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardly moving, gravity-propelled coin to move downwardly and thereby move the portion of said switch, actuator which; is disposed in said slot downwardly through said slot;

toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter re turning to its normal position, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot co-acting with said changes of surface to oscillate said element as the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot passes between said changes of surface, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

6. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving pasageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, a slot in said element, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but responding to a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot, said actuator responding to movement toward said opposite end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

7. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, an elongated slot in said element, said slot generally paralleling said passageway, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends that define a zigzag portion for said slot, said changes of surface and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot responding to relative movement of the portion of said switch-actuator which is disposed in said slot and said changes of surface to cause relative movement of said switch and said escapement element, said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but respondingto a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot said actuator responding to movement toward said opposite end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning'movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, said changes of surface retarding the returning' movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

8. A timing device for an electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, an elongated slot in said element, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being relatively movable to cause relative movement between said switch and said escapement element, said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but responding to a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot, said actuator responding to movement toward said opposite end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the return- 14 ing movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, said relative movement between said switch and said escapement element retarding the relative movement between said changes of surface and said portion of the switch actuator which is disposed in said slot and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length time.

9. A timing device for an electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, an elongated slot in said element, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface being inclined to said slot whereby movement of the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot relative to said changes of surface causes relative movement between said switch and said escapement said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but responding to a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot, said actuator responding to movement toward said opposite end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

10. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, an escapement element that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a slot in said element, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface subtending obtuse angles whereby the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot can readily move through said slot in opposite directions and can engage said changes of surface to cause relative movement between said switch and said escapement element said switch actuator normally being adjacent one end of said slot but responding to a coin to move toward the opposite end of said slot and thereafter returning to its normal position adjacent said one end of said slot, said actuator responding to movement toward said opposite end of said slot to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

11. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, an escapement element that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a slot in said element, an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface readily permitting the portion of said switch actuatorwhich is disposed in said slot to rotate said element and thereby move through said slot in one direction but preventing returning movement of the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in' said slot until said element is recurrently rotated, and a driving element to recurrently rotate said escapement element said switch actuator shifting the contacts of said switch as it moves in said one direction and permitting said contacts to return to their normal positions as it moves back to its initial position, said changes of surface and said'driving element delaying movement of said switch actuator to its initial position and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

12. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, an escapement element that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a slot in said element, an actuator for said switch that has por tions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for. the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, said changes of surface readily permitting the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot to rotate said element and thereby move through said slot in one direction but preventing returning movement of the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot until said element is recurrently rotated, and a driving element to recurrently rotate said escapement element, said driving element being cam-actuated to rotate said escapement element and thereby free the portion of saidswitch actuator which is disposed in said slot from said changes of surface said switch actuator shifting the contacts of said switch as it moves in said one direction and permitting said contacts to return to their normal positions as it moves back to its initial position, said changes of surface and said driving element delaying movement of said switch actuator to its initial position and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time. I I 13. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway, a generally flat plate that is rotatably mounted on and that depends downwardly from said pivot, a generally arcuate slot in said plate, and an actuator for said switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and in said passageway, said actuator being in the form of a stiff wire, said slot having a lower end and an upper end and having a wide unobstructed upper portion adjacent said upper end thereof, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof that define a zigzag portion for said slot and that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being biased for movement toward said upper end of said slot and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway being' biased toward the upper end of said passageway, said portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardly-moving, gravity-propelled coin to move the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot downwardly through said slot until said coin falls below and out of engagement with the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway, said switch actuator responding to the downward movement thereof to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot co-acting with said changes of surface to oscillate said plate as the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in saidfslo't moves downwardly through said slot, said changes of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time. v l4. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises'spaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, a pivot that is adjacentsaid passageway, a plate that is rotatably mounted on said pivot, a generally arcuate'slot in said plate, and an actuator for said'switch that has portions thereof disposed in said slot and insaid passage way, said slot having a wide unobstructed upper portion, said slot having changes of surface intermediate the ends thereof that define a zigzag portion for said slot and that obviate an uninterrupted and continuous path through said slot for the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot, theportion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot being biased for movement toward one end of said slot and the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway being biased toward the upper end of said passageway, said por tion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway responding to a downwardly-moving, gravitypropelled coin to move the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot toward the other end of said slot until said coin falls out of engagement with the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said passageway, said switch actuator responding to the downward movement thereof to shift the contacts of said switch and responding to the returning movement thereof to permit the'contacts of said switch to return to their normal positions, the portion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot co-acting with said changes of surface to oscillate said plate as theportion of said switch actuator which is disposed in said slot moves toward said other end of said slot, saidchanges of surface retarding the returning movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding the contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time.

15.- A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprisesspaced walls that define a coin-receiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, a pivot that is adjacent said pas sageway and that holds said escapement element for oscillation, an actuator for said switch having a portion thereof disposed within said passageway and movable by a gravity-propelled coin in said passageway, and surfaces on said escapement element that normally lie in the path of said switch actuator but can'respond to oscillation of said escapement element to permit said switch actuator to move past them, said switch actuator shifting thecontacts of said switch as it moves past said surfaces on said escapement element, the need of oscillating said escapement element retarding the rate of movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding said contacts of said switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of time. v

16. A timing device for a coin-actuated electric switch that comprises spaced walls that define a coin-r eceiving passageway, an electric switch adjacent said passageway, an escapement element, a pivot that is adjacent said passageway and that holds said escapement element for oscillation, an actuator for said switch having a portion thereof disposed within said passageway and movable by a gravity-propelled coinin said passageway, and surfaces on said escapement element that normally lie in the path of said switch actuator but can respond to oscillation of said escapement element to permit said switch actuator to move past them, said switch actuator shifting the con,- tacts of said switch as it moves past said surfaces on said escapement element, the need of oscillating said escapement element retarding the rateof movement of said switch actuator and thereby holding said contacts of said 17 18 switch in shifted position for a predetermined length of 1,577,757 Re Qua Mar. 23, 1926 time, said surfaces being inclined and serving as inclined 2,544,330 Koenig Mar. 6, 1951 planes whereby said switch actuator can engage said sur- ,760,618 EaSOn Aug. 28, 1956 faces and thereby oscillate said escapement element. 5 ,768, And rson Oct. 30, 1956 F References Cited in the file of this patent 452 816 F OREIGN PATENTS M 23 1913 rance ay UNITED STATES PATENTS 532,906 Germany Aug. 27, 1931 956,355 Huey Apr. 26, 1910 558,667 France May 30, 1923 1,473,971 Petersen Nov. 13, 1923 10 767,035 France Apr. 23, 1934 

